Atlanta Braves strike out with Birmingham-area radio stations

Atlanta Braves fans can see Tim Hudson pitch this season on various TV networks, but can't hear about his exploits on any radio stations in Birmingham. (The Associated Press)

The Atlanta Braves' absence from radio in the Birmingham area this summer is frustrating to the organi­zation, according to John Napolitano, affiliate relations director for the Braves Radio Network.

"We would love to have the Braves on in Birming­ham," he said. Cox Broadcasting's WENN AM-1320 carried Braves games for most of the 2009 season. However, the station did not renew the contract following the season. Napolitano said he "shopped it around to pretty much everyone in the mar­ket" earlier this year but could not find a spot for the broadcasts.

In the past, the cluster of local Citadel Broadcasting stations, which includes sports stations WJOX FM-94.5 and AM-690, carried the Braves' games. Ryan Haney , operations manager for Citadel in Birmingham, said last year that the commitment to local programming made it difficult to continue the Braves broadcasts.

"Granted, it's a lot of hours," Napolitano said. "You're talking about over 800 hours of programming with spring training, 162 regular-season games and postseason if the Braves are fortunate to play in the post­season. It's a big commit­ment, but with the team playing well, the last season with (manager) Bobby Cox and (rookie standout) Jason Heyward, you would think someone would be interested."

The 135 stations carrying the Braves are the most of any team in major-league baseball, according to Napolitano. The network includes 21 stations from Alabama. Games also are available on satellite radio.

Napolitano said Birmingham is the biggest market for Braves ticket sales, outside of the Atlanta area. In view of that, the Braves know there's a big hole in the radio network.

"If somebody called me tomorrow we would have a receiver out there the next day," Napolitano said.